Paint Outs and Parties!

Here is one of the plein air paintings I did during the '12th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational'.

'Long Lost Memories'.............oil on canvas panel...............8x10 inches (SOLD)

Greetings Gentle Bloggers,

Once again I must sit down and write about what a mysterious thing life is. Life is like a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, put in a bottle, and then lost in an airport baggage claim. At least my life feels like it is ;-) It has been a busy past few months, with a whirlwind trip to Paris, several awesome group shows I participated in and a week long paint out at the '12th Annual Laguna Plein Air Painting Invitational'. I don't know where to begin, so I'll blog from the end and work my way back to the beginning. Indeed, the Paris trip itself was so condensed with layers of visceral voyage visuals that it will in fact need it's own separate blog, written possibly in the year 2011 after enough time has passed for me to make some kind of linear explanation for my experience. That being said, let me tell you about the Laguna Invitational, which passed as quickly, smoothly, and pleasurably as prune juice through a goose. It was great to catch up with all my awesome artists friends, painting amongst the beautiful landscapes of Laguna. I found some new magical sites like Victoria Beach, with its single castle spire rising dramatically to the mansion above it, the strange circular footprint of an abandoned wading pool carved into the rock beneath it. Another mysteriously delightful discovery was the legendary Crystal Cove, a hidden beach I'd heard so much about and finally visited! Crystal Cove is peppered with adorable cottage rentals including a strange pthalo green beach house museum of fifties game boards like Sorry and Monopoly. Takes me back to my childhood in Canada's cottage country, all those hands of gin rummy! The other events were also cool, sold some paintings, had some drinks, ate some cake, and laughed at my own jokes. Thanks so much to all the folks at LPAPA (Laguna Plein Air Painters Association) who made it possible! There's some hard working people behind the scenes making it all run smooth and stay fun! Here's to doing it all again in 2011!

Here is a view looking the opposite way of 'Long Lost Memories'

'Melancholy Morning'............oil on canvas panel............8x10 inches
(SOLD)

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.... a few pics of the events and such. Enjoy!

Me painting an overcast scene at Crystal Cove, whilst being lulled and soothed by the rhythmic sounds of the ocean.











Kicking off the Invitational at Treasure Island Park for an early morning orientation and paint out. All artists were required to paint an 8x10 for a silent auction. Clear skies, mild temps, fresh ocean breeze and a plein air easel. Ahhhhh, what more could you ask for.








Finishing up my 'Quick Draw' painting at Heisler Park on a rainy and cold Saturday morning.











Sunday morning at the Laguna Museum.









One of my favorite painters, super talented Bryan Mark Taylor. Bryan was the recipient of the 'Collectors Choice Award' at the Saturday evening gala reception.






Carolyn Hesse -Low standing by her paintings. Carolyn is an absolute delight to paint with. A very gifted and generous soul indeed.








Victoria Beach and all it's splendor!










Crescent moon over Laguna Beach.













Ben enjoying an afternoon stroll on the beach.












The lovely Carol and Bill Hanke were generous enough to provide us a place to stay during the Invitational. This was the view from our guest bedroom window. Sweet!!!





Looks like somebody has a case of 'Farmer's Tan'!

Signing off with a group photo of the participating artists.
What a fantastic bunch!!!

For more pics of event and complete list of winners click here.